The City of Rochelle has tallied the results of its Shop Local incentive program, set into motion as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on local businesses. The program resulted in nearly $3 million invested in local businesses, a press release said.
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ROCHELLE — The City of Rochelle has tallied the results of its Shop Local incentive program, set into motion as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on local businesses. The program resulted in nearly $3 million invested in local businesses, a press release said.
"We knew we had to do something," City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said. "So, we took this outside-the-box idea to our city council and they immediately jumped on board."
Thanks to its locally-owned electric and water utility, the city was able to offer residents a $60 bill credit for every $300 spent at local businesses that had been affected by the shutdown orders. At first, the program was limited to just three per household, but then the city council expanded the program to allow an unlimited number of credits, maximizing the program's benefits.
The program applied to restaurants, retail shops and hair salons in the utility's service area, which includes Creston and Hillcrest. Local industries even participated by purchasing lunches for their employees from the small businesses that were part of the program.
“The RMU Shop Local Program has been a wonderful incentive for our local community and retail businesses. A win-win for everyone," Naomi Baldwin, owner of Colonial Flowers & Gifts in Rochelle, said.
A total of 5,755 applications were submitted resulting in $538,500 in utility bill credits issued to accounts and $2,981,109 invested in small businesses.
"I am just so proud of the way our community came together to support each other through a difficult time," Councilwoman Rosie Arteaga said. "Keep shopping local!"
Not only did the city re-invest in local businesses through the program, it also purchased tents and outdoor heaters; offered street closures and changed local ordinances to expand outdoor seating; expanded the utility assistance program for families in need; delayed utility shut-offs and eliminated late fees; hosted an employment fair and offered support in any way possible to local residents and businesses. The city also offered three rounds of the Restart Rochelle Grants totaling $278,500 from the local CURES grant award. These funds covered operating costs that businesses incurred while closed.
